debt ceiling was introduced way back in world war one. it was meant to give the treasury department more spending at that time. wendall goler, the president seemed that he was willing to call the republicans' bluff on this thing. >> he won't collect ransom for not collecting it on the economy. the last time the country reached the debt ceiling, obama was thinking about what will be prioritized next time. >> if congressional republicans refuse to pay america's bills on times, social security checks and veterans benefits will be delayed. we might not be able to pay our troops or honor our contracts with small business owners. food inspectors, air traffic controllers, specialists who track down loose nuclear material wouldn't get paychecks. investors will ask if united states is america is a in fact a safe bet. >> reporter: they launched a new term by focusing on the issue likely to dominate the second term. >> shep: what are we hearing from republicans on this? >> republicans are looking at a fiscal perfect storm in march, avoid the fiscal